It only took few years and a few fascinating if controversial breakthroughs in solar power. Now, thanks to designer Vivien Muller, you can finally have a decorative-houseplant-cum-solar charger for your iPhone right on your desk. Just give it plenty of light.

The Electree was originally a concept debuted by Muller a few years back, and we've wanted it ever since. A few of you even recalled it after 13-year-old Aidan Dwyer's solar power design got international attention in July. Now we've come full circle. After bathing in the sun's light for about a day and a half, the tree's 27 solar panel "leaves" will have more than enough power to charge your phone.

Great concept from designer Vivien Muller for a modular, Lego-like little bonsai tree with 54 mini…
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Muller even wants to see the trees lining streets to power whole cities. Which is... ambitious. The Electree is currently on presale for $370, which is pretty steep. I still want it. [Ulele, Vivien Muller via Engadget]